AM Best


AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to EyeMed Insurance Company


CONTACTS:

Jennifer Asamoah
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5203
jennifer.asamoah@ambest.com

Bridget Maehr
Associate Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5321
bridget.maehr@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
(908) 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
(908) 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK - DECEMBER 12, 2018 04:21 PM (EST)
AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” to EyeMed Insurance Company (EIC) (Phoenix, AZ). EyeMed is a wholly owned subsidiary of Luxottica U.S. Holdings Corp., which in turn is wholly owned by Luxottica Group S.p.A. (Luxottica). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect EIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings consider EIC’s strategic importance to Luxottica, as well as the comprehensive operational support provided by the parent company.

EIC’s balance sheet strength assessment is based on the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization being at the very strong level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and solid capital generation from its core markets. The company has reported a steady increase in capital and surplus, primarily driven by favorable earnings. Additionally, the balance sheet strength assessment also considers the relatively low risk stemming from the company’s highly liquid investment portfolio. EIC had paid dividends in prior years and it is anticipated that future payments will be made; however, AM Best does not expect these to materially impact the company’s balance sheet strength assessment.

The company, which recently converted from a captive insurer, has historically exhibited relatively stable operating performance over the past several years, with earnings driven by growth in revenue and continued operating efficiencies. EIC has maintained steady premium growth, primarily a result of premiums assumed from other carriers. As part of the conversion to a commercial insurance entity, EIC is expected to begin writing premiums directly.

EIC is largely a monoline company; however, the organization has good diversification by geography and business sector. Following the recent merger between Luxottica and Essilor, EIC will be maintained as a direct subsidiary of Luxottica and continue to operate as a separate legal entity. The new ultimate parent company is EssilorLuxottica.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry.


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AMB# Company Name
062248 EyeMed Insurance Company
052503 Luxottica Group S.p.A.